Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 106

SAGE

1 had no idea the bar had a back room. As Scott and I were led through a narrow hallway, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The air felt heavier, the dim light from a single overhead bulb barely illuminating the space. When we stepped inside, the room greeted us with a

stark contrast to the lively bar out front.

It was dark, cramped, and rusty, as if this part of the building hadn't been touched by renovation in decades. The smell of stale alcohol and faint metallic tang hung in the air, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. A handful of people lingered around small tables, their conversations dying the moment we entered.

All eyes turned to us, their gazes sharp and unwelcoming. Each stare felt like it carried a silent challenge, as if they were waiting for us to explain our presence or make a wrong move. The people here weren't ordinary bar patrons; they exuded an aura of danger. Scarred faces, weathered expressions, and tense postures told a story of lives lived on the fringes of the law-or perhaps far beyond it.

I couldn't help but feel exposed under their scrutiny, like a deer walking into a den of wolves. My heartbeat quickened, but I forced myself to appear calm, standing straighter as I followed Scott's lead.

"This place screams trouble," I muttered under my breath, my eyes scanning the room with a practiced wariness.

"Now, do you realized how stupid it is to go here alone?" he said.

I roll my eyes at him in response. I'm aware of the danger, I wasn't just expecting it to be this dangerous.

A hulking man near the corner spat on the floor, his eyes narrowing at us. Another man whispered something to his companion, who chuckled darkly. The atmosphere felt thick with unspoken threats, but no one made a move-yet.

Scott stepped closer to me, his presence solid and reassuring. "Stay close," he said, his voice firm.

I didn't need to be told twice. This was no place for mistakes, and every instinct in me screamed to stay on guard. Whatever/ deal I thought / could strike with the hunter suddenly felt far riskier than I had imagined. But it was too late to back out now.

We moved deeper into the room, my senses on high alert with every step. The murmurs of conversation picked up again, though I could feel the weight of curious, suspicious stares lingering on us. Scott stayed just half a step ahead, his body a barrier between me and the unknown threats around us.

In the far corner, seated at a battered wooden table, was the hunter. His rugged features were cast in shadow, but his piercing eyes caught the dim light, gleaming like a predator's. He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease despite the tension in the room, as if he owned it.

"Well, well," he drawled, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Look who graces us with her presence."

Scott cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Let's make this quick

The hunter's gaze flicked to me, ignoring Scott entirely. "Bold of you to come back here, little lady," he said, his tone almost amused. "Got tired of letting the big bad Alpha speak for you?"

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let his words rattle me. "I'm here because we need your help. And if money isn't enough to convince you, I'm prepared to negotiate."

His brows lifted, and his smile widened. "Negotiate, huh? That's a dangerous word around here."

hand twitched at his side, close to the concealed weapon he always carried. "Don't push it," he

rest his elbows on the table. "Relax, Beta. I'm just having a bit

the empty chairs

pulling out the chair and sitting down. Scott

the hunter.

asked, his voice

one condition," I said firmly, even though my heart raced at the

shooting out to grip my

opinion, Scott," I

my eyes that

with interest, his fingers tapping idly on the table. "Go on. I'm listening,"

gaze. "I'll agree to be the payment for this mission. I'm aware of your intention to sell me to the highest bidder. But under one condition, that I'll be the one to choose who are allowed to join the

smile turned predatory. "I don't think that you're in the

leaned forward, keeping my voice steady. "On the contrary, I have all the rights to demand everything. I'm worth more than thousand

grow quieter, the tension

my

leaned back,

tugged at the corners of his lips. "You've got guts," he said finally, his tone almost amused. "I'll

in waves, but he stayed silent, clearly holding back whatever argument was clawing at his

briefly to Scott, then back to me, as he let the moment stretch uncomfortably long. "Alright," he said at last, his voice calm but edged with skepticism. "Let's say I agree to include your condition. How can I be sure you're going to

before I could overthink it.

his eyes wide

serious?"

didn't look at him, my focus locked on the hunter. "It's the only way to guarantee trust between us. If either side

tinged with intrigue. "That's not something you hear about every day." His lips

I'm big girl. I know what I

even hear yourself right now?

to him, meeting his worried gaze. "If we don't do this, we lose any chance of completing this mission. We need his

tapped his chin in mock contemplation. "Well, well," he drawled, his tone laced with intrigue. "I'm almost tempted, little lady. But let's not kid

know about," I shot back, my voice firm despite the nervous knot

teeth gleaming in the dim light.

between us with a raised hand. "We need a moment. Sage and I need to talk- now." "Take all the time you want, sweetheart," the hunter replied smoothly, leaning back against the table.

firm but not painful, his concern etched across his face.

worried gaze with determination. "This is the only way to make sure the hunter